Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

Finely carved as two farmers seated on the leaves of a daikon radish. The large vegetable is partially squashing the farmer on the right, while the other is levering it up to free his partner. The netsuke may have some hidden shunga undertones. The worn ivory bearing a beautiful, lustrous patina. Single himotoshi through the underside.

LENGTH 5.8 cm

Condition: Good condition with associated surface wear, age cracks, and an old smoothed out chip to one leaf.
Provenance: Ex- collection Collection Kati and Marc Wilwers, Luxembourg.

This item contains or is made from elephant ivory and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Please note that in compliance with EU regulation effective January 19th, 2022, all items carved from elephant ivory before 1947 must carry a legal trade permit issued by the Austrian ministry of trade, or any other appropriate authority within the European Union. For this reason, any sale of such item can only be concluded after such permit has been granted. All payments made prior to the issuance of the respective permit will be held in escrow until the application for the permit has been approved. Please note that according to EU regulation it may take up to 3 months until the permit has been granted. In case the permit is declined, or not granted after 3 months, the payment will be returned to the client immediately.